We love to talk about theatre as a “community” and a place where everyone belongs. But the truth is, not every theatre space feels welcoming, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone.

“If the people running auditions seem distracted, disorganized, or just plain bored, take note.”

Theatre is not a clock-in, clock-out job, and the spaces that try to treat artists like obedient employees are actively damaging the work.

“Community theatre wasn’t my stepping stone; it was my lifeline.”

“No monologue or high note is worth sacrificing the safety and dignity of everyone else in the room.”

“To the artistic directors out there planning their 2025–2026 seasons: what’s your town going through? What aren’t people talking about enough? Who’s never had their story told on your stage?”

“These shows require good instincts, a committed cast, and the kind of intimacy that only community theatre can pull off.”

“Let’s talk realistically. Let’s talk about how to ask for help in a way that doesn’t always involve asking for dollars”

“In a move that’s both cruel and cowardly, hundreds of already-awarded grants were quietly canceled with little warning, pulling the rug out from under the organizations that had counted on them. Let’s not sugarcoat this: this will devastate community theatre.”

“We have to learn good habits in theatre to make the most out of our experiences. No one is going to do it for you.”

“When the playing field isn’t level—when it never even had a chance to be—you send a message that some roles are simply off-limits to the community, no matter how talented or committed they are.”

“These ten shows aren’t just underdone. They’re practically undiscovered in many corners of the community theatre world. But trust me: they’re worth it.”